EHV press release

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Susan E. Garlinghouse, DVM

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May 26, 2015, 4:40:45 PM5/26/15

to ride...@endurance.net, So_Cal_E...@yahoogroups.com, AERCMemb...@yahoogroups.com, Debby Lyon

Ride management for the upcoming Montana de Oro ride in Los Osos, California, this coming weekend has received some questions in regards to rumors of a recent “outbreak” of equine herpes virus in the area. As everyone remembers, there was a serious outbreak of EHV-1 several years ago after 400 horses were exposed to the disease at a cutting-horse event in Utah, which subsequently spread to 19 states and Canada before the first clinical symptoms were recognized and reported.

It is key to differentiate between the potentially fatal neurologic form of EHV-1 involved in the 2012 outbreak, and the more common EHV-1, which causes respiratory symptoms and abortion in pregnant mares (commonly referred to as “rhinovirus”). The former neurologic form is a ‘reportable’ disease, meaning that veterinarians treated suspected cases must promptly report the case to the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA).

As of this morning (May 26, 2015), only one case had been reported as a potential case of EHV-1, this in a 7-year-old Quarter horse barrel-racing gelding originating from the north county of the San Luis Obispo area (the Montana de Oro ride is in south county). This horse is quarantined, under veterinary care in Santa Barbara County and has been confirmed positive for the NON-neurological form of equine herpes virus. An investigation has been initiated and owners with potentially exposed horses at the affected barn will be contacted. Owners of exposed horses are asked to monitor their horses for clinical signs and take temperatures twice daily. CDFA will continue to monitor the situation, but no new suspicious cases have been reported.

As always when traveling with horses, owners should use common sense in minimizing their horses to contagious diseases. If overnighting during travel, try to avoid large public equestrian centers, such as fairgrounds and rodeo venues. Avoid the use of common water sources (use your own buckets, sponges and feed tubs) and don’t bring a horse showing symptoms of developing disease, such as an elevated rectal temperature or respiratory symptoms.

The weather for this weekend’s ride is predicted to be partly cloudy with zero chance of rain and temperatures between 54-68°F. In other words, great weather on a beautiful, challenging but very doable and scenic trail. We look forward to seeing all of you for check-in on Friday afternoon.